Plans to build a solar farm at Barry docks take a step forward

The project is the latest in a series of solar farm schemes to be submitted to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

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A scheme for a major solar project on dockland in South Wales has taken an important step forward.

The project by Associated British Ports (ABP) centres on largely derelict land at Barry docks.

The proposed solar farm would cover the equivalent of more than 40 football pitches and provide enough power for 12,000 homes.

The project is the latest in a series of solar farm schemes to be submitted to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

It differs from most of the others because it is on a brownfield site rather than in the Vale countryside.

Vale of Glamorgan council planners have now ruled that a wide-ranging environmental impact assessment of the project is not required.

This will save ABP time in submitting a planning application to the council.

The company contended that such an assessment was not needed because the project, which would have an estimated life of 20 years, would be on a brownfield site in a working port and would not have a significant impact on the environment.

The 51-acre site would be close to the Hayes Point to Bendrick Point Site of Special Scientific Interest, which includes dinosaur footprints and tracks.

The project centres on an area east of No 2 Dock and a site north of No 3 Dock.

The company said that rather than damaging the environment the proposal has the potential to improve the derelict sites.

Matthew Kennerley, director of ABP South Wales, said: “The solar array will deliver clean, renewable energy to power operations for businesses across the port and in neighbouring locations. Surplus power will be fed into the national grid and will provide homes with electricity generated by the sun with zero emissions.”